BENTLEY TEAM ABSOLUTE'S TRIPLE PODIUM "FOR ANDREW"

Bentley Team Absolute Racing took three podium finishes in Burirum, Thailand, last weekend, in the second round of the GT Asia Series. Team Manager Ingo Matter has said the results are “for Andrew” [Palmer], who missed the event as he is recovering in hospital.

British racing driver and 2014 Bentley Boy Duncan Tappy drove in Andrew’s place in the two one-hour long races, commenting that he wasn’t “replacing Andrew but racing for Andrew.”

Tappy returned to his 2015 GT Asia race-winning form and, alongside Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak (TH), took two second place finishes in the #9 Continental GT3.

“No one wants to be called-in to replace a driver who is unable to race but I was determined to go there and do a good job for Andrew and the rest of the Bentley Team Absolute guys,” Tappy said. “Vutthikorn did a fantastic job all weekend and it was great to take two podiums with him at his home round. Despite the great results, our thoughts are always with Andrew as he recovers in hospital. I hope I did you proud, mate.”

In the #7 Continental GT3, Andrew Kim (KO) and Adderly Fong (HK) finished in third place in race one after setting the third fastest lap in qualifying. The points haul extends the team's championship lead as it approaches the mid-season mark.

Jonathan Venter (AU) was joined in the #8 Continental GT3 by Bentley Team ABT driver Fabien Hamprecht (DE) as Keita Sawa (JP) fulfilled 24 Hours of Le Mans duties. Following a solid weekend, the pair were on for a podium in race two until a safety car procedure cost them almost a lap.

Bentley Team Absolute team manager Ingo Matter added: “These podiums are for Andrew. He is in all our thoughts and, for every team member, racing without him there was tough. However, the team did an amazing job all weekend and I’m really proud of each of them.”

Bentley Team Absolute next races in Pirelli World Challenge at Road America on 25/26 June.